Classic meets Contemporary at Shine Hair Salon
Posted by
Alex
Dated: November 4, 2008 1:45 PM
In December 2007 after being self-employed for six years and with numerous awards under his belt, Jason Paget, a hairdresser since 1986, and a veteran of the most prestigious hair salons in Bristol including Central Studio and Toni & Guy, decided the time was right to start his own business
Shine Hair Salon's high-end contemporary look has been influenced by Jason's personal tastes as well as practical considerations alongside; interiors magazines, the internet and the current vogue for boutique hotels. He's been careful to position the salon so that it appeals to a broad demographic, male and female, old and young.
"Our clients' age range is from seven months to 70," says Jason. "I've attempted to appeal to everyone by mixing design decades, materials and textures in quite a bold way, while still keeping things clean, functional and above all welcoming."
The neutral colour scheme, selected because it won't date, is illuminated with energy-saving lighting. The contrast between the gold, textured wallpaper in the front reception area and bathroom and the expanse of white paint introduces an element of luxury, but the overall impression is brilliantly businesslike. The building's original wood flooring has been painstakingly restored; both beautiful and practical it blends seamlessly with all the other elements of the scheme.
Jason's first foray into salon ownership has been a positive experience on all levels. "My best decision was opening the salon, my worst, not doing it sooner," he says.
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Tags: interiors , Shine Hair Salon
Calm and Comfort at Ego Hair and Beauty
Posted by
Alex
Dated: October 9, 2008 11:49 AM
The moment they strolled past the empty shop, Carly Ryder and Lorraine Haskins knew they had found the site for their first hairdressing business venture. Situated near a university, in an up-and-coming area with nearby parking facilities, the empty shell was ripe for transformation.
"We loved the natural light coming into the space as there are so many windows, it really was the deal clincher for us," says Carly. "Everything just seemed to fit and, most importantly, it felt right."
Beauty rooms were built from scratch and all the plumbing and electrics had to be installed, as well as a new floor. But creating a comfortable, stylish environment was important to Carly and Lorraine, who ensured the salon boasted plenty of features.
"We wanted a calming ambience so that our clients would have the ultimate experience - a modern yet chilled salon," explains Carly.
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Tags: Ego Hair and Beauty , interiors
Legal Considerations when Employing Salon Staff
Posted by
Kate
Dated: October 9, 2008 9:35 AM
Employing members of your salon team can prove to be an unnecessary headache if you don't follow the right channels.
There are several potential claims that might arise during the recruitment process including discrimination in the arrangements for an interview and by failure to offer employment. There is also the possibility of harassment claims.
Employers need to be particularly wary as there is a potential for liability through the acts of staff members involved in the recruitment process. For this reason each step of the process must be in line with the employer's recruitment and equal opportunities policies.
Graeme Perrey, trainee solicitor with City Law firm Sykes Anderson Solicitors LLP explains how you can ensure fairness and reduce the chances of claims against you.
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Promoting Your Photographic Awards Entries
Posted by
Kate
Dated: October 8, 2008 3:37 PM
Putting together a photographic entry for hairdressing awards is a huge investment, not just financially but also of time and emotions. So it goes without saying that you'll want to get maximum mileage from your investment.
An award-winning collection will give you all the satisfaction and return for your investment that you could hope for but even if you don't win or get shortlisted for the award you can still use your entry to generate positive PR.
Sharleen Hunter, founder of Unleashed Potential, a consultancy specialising in marketing and PR for the hair industry gives her top tips for making the most of your photographic awards entries - from international competitions to in-salon challenges - whatever the outcome.
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Tags: Sharleen Hunter
Hush Hush - Beautiful Hair Boutique: Chic and Unique Style
Posted by
Kate
Dated: October 7, 2008 4:49 PM
Creating an environment for a broad range of clients isn't easy. From students and professionals to ladies who lunch - designing an appropriate atmosphere is a challenge, and one that salon owners Jeni and Nicolas Aldridge took in their stride.
"We wanted the salon, Hush Hush, to be different from all the corporate businesses we see on the high street," says Jeni. "Our aim was to create a place where clients could relax, be pampered and indulge their senses."
Jeni and Nicolas are delighted with the new salon, and describe their business as chic boutique.
"The most important element was to offer a salon where the clients are taken away from the stresses of everyday life and given an experience, not just a haircut - and we've done just that!"
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Tags: salon interiors
Staff Issues with Running your First Salon
Posted by
Kate
Dated: October 7, 2008 2:46 PM
Even in the difficult current economic climate; salons continue to open across the country. But what issues do the owners face and what legal issues should you consider if you are considering opening your first salon business?
David Wright, who advise Habia and a range of salons, gives his advice on some of the pitfulls to look out for.
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Monochrome Manpower at essensuals MEN Billericay
Posted by
Kate
Dated: October 1, 2008 1:35 PM
Men's grooming has come of age, with destination barbershops and exclusively male salons making their mark in London and beyond.
The latest convert to the cause is HJ's 2007 Men's Hairdresser of the Year, Jim Shaw, who is responsible for opening the first-ever essensuals MEN, not in the midst of the urban jungle, but in Billericay, Essex.
Committed to bringing a West End feel to the suburbs, Jim has a wealth of experience and a well-respected reputation in the town through his other essensuals salon.
"With the unisex salon doing well, opening essensuals MEN was a logical step for me," explains Jim. "My aim has been to create a complete grooming experience in an exclusive, luxury environment for the style-conscious male in search of more than a quick trim."
Settling on a former travel agency in a prime position on the high street, and conveniently located almost directly opposite his unisex salon, Jim put his masterplan into action.
Six weeks later, after the refurbishment overseen by project manager Nick Pay, he was open for business.
As the first-ever essensuals MEN, Jim had design carte blanche, with the bars, clubs, salons and sleek hotel interiors of Hong Kong the inspiration for a masculine colour scheme of black gloss, cappuccino and stone; ultra-cool, minimalist and high impact, but with warmth and character.
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Tags: essensuals Billericay , Jim Shaw
Managing Problem Staff in the Salon
Posted by
Kate
Dated: October 1, 2008 10:56 AM
One of the biggest challenges that faces any salon owner or manager is keeping a healthy, productive and motivated team.
And the last thing that you need is to have to deal with is mood swings in the salon, staff coming in with a hangover, or a stressed team.
Unfortunately, human nature dictates that obstacles such as these are all part of working life, so they must be dealt with swiftly and efficiently.
Professional troubleshooter and personal development specialist John Whiteman of River Management addresses some common queries from salon owners.
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Saving Energy in the Hair Salon
Posted by
Kate
Dated: October 1, 2008 10:19 AM
With the cost of fuel on the rise and increased emphasis on monitoring our carbon footprint, saving energy has never been more important.
Jon MacLeod, creative director of Scottish salon group Paterson SA, offers his advice for simple ways to limit your energy usage in the hair salon.
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Tags: Jon Macleod
Glorious Grandeur at Barbara Daley Salon
Posted by
Kate
Dated: September 21, 2008 5:21 PM
Barbara Daley is a familiar name in the hairdressing industry. An experienced businesswoman who opened her first salon in Liverpool in 1990 followed by a second one six months later, she has a host of celebrity clients to her name.
But when she decided to relocate to an 1850s Grade 2 listed building earlier this year, her patience and perseverance were put to the test.
Initially attracted by six-metre high ceilings and elegant stone Doric columns, the hairdresser's designs on creating an exquisite but modern salon were soon dampened as the reality of the huge project ahead became apparent.
Red tape and planning issues meant took two years before work could even begin, but once the initial problems were overcome, Barbara liaised closely with architects Austin Smith Lord to create a space that not only looked good and architecturally brilliant, but worked as a salon.
"We had to make the salon inviting, not imposing, and yet keep the grandness of its features," Barbara explains. "We stressed that despite the grandeur of the salon, it wasn't to be designed to be elitist. It had to be warm and welcoming to all our clients."
The salon was opened by celebrity client Coleen McCloughlin in March 2008 and the hair work certainly seems to have paid off.
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Tags: Barbara Daley , salon interiors